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Two of my mantras in life that have kept me ‘just going out for a quick run’ for the best part of two decades.

Never breaking any records, never winning any races, but pounding the miles in a bid to keep fit.

Phil running the Cheltenham Parkrun

It's a great chance to stay up-to-date(ish) with my favourite movie podcast (Hello to Jason Isaacs), and to lose myself in music (thanks Eminem).

I run wherever I am and have run down narrow streets in Portugal to the shores of the Atlantic, up hills in Cephalonia, around an island in the Danube in Hungary, through the cobbled university streets of Oxford, up May Hill and Leckhampton Hill in Gloucesteshire, and on endless suburban streets around Gloucester, Cheltenham, Newent and parts of north-east Hampshire.

I'm not going to lie, it's a tough end to a 13.1mile race when you see the expanse of the racecourse before you.

But it's also a magnificent arena that echoes to the sound of the sporting triumphs that have taken place on that hallowed turf.

The Cheltenham Classic Run

Cheltenham Racecourse will open its doors to runners on September 1 2019 with big prizes on offer for the main race and a host of shorter courses to suit all abilities.

A junior run and family mile will also be held so that everybody can take part.

The run is being held by Reach PLC, owner of the Gloucester Echo, GloucestershireLive, Western Daily Press and Somerset Live, along with Hollicom Events and owner of Aintree Racecourse, the Jockey Club.

If you have ever wanted to run the famous home of the Gold Cup you can enter at theclassicrunseries.co.uk

In total three events will be held across the country. The dates of events are:

Cheltenham, Sunday September 1, 2019

Aintree, Sunday September 8, 2019

Newmarket, Sunday October 20th, 2019

When you first run on to the course, in front of the club enclosure, it's a daunting sight as you see the racecourse stretch out into the distance.

As someone who has watched racing there on numerous occasions, memories of seeing such legends as Kauto Star and Denman remain strong - as does the sound of that famous Cheltenham Roar.

So to be running in their footsteps, in one of the most stunning sporting facilities in the country, is something I will always remember and can't wait to return to.

And even taken the race away, getting into the running habit will transform your life.

You will have more energy, you will find yourself sharper, and you will see so many benefits - which could be weight loss, diet control, improved mental well-being and friendships as you meet other runners.